How to delete a sent message in WhatsApp from a contact if time has passed?

How to delete a sent message in WhatsApp from a contact if time has passed - briefly?

Deleting a sent message in WhatsApp after the allowed time frame has passed is not possible directly through the app's standard features. To achieve this, you can either delete the message from your own device or use third-party apps that may offer such functionality.

How to delete a sent message in WhatsApp from a contact if time has passed - in detail?

If you've sent a message on WhatsApp and realize afterward that you need to delete it, the standard procedure allows you to do so within seven minutes of sending. However, if more than seven minutes have passed, deleting the message directly from your contact's phone becomes more challenging. Here are the detailed steps you can take:

  1. Delete the Message on Your End:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you sent the message.
    • Tap and hold the message you want to delete.
    • Select the "Delete" option from the menu that appears at the top of your screen.
    • Choose "Delete for Everyone" if it's available. This will remove the message from both your phone and the recipient's phone, provided they haven't read it yet or their phone is connected to the internet.
  2. Request Recipient to Delete:

    If the seven-minute window has passed, you won't see the "Delete for Everyone" option. In this case, your best course of action is to contact the recipient and ask them to delete the message manually from their device:

    • Send a follow-up message explaining that you sent the previous message by mistake and requesting that they delete it.
    • Provide clear instructions on how to do so. Here’s what they need to do:
      • Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the message is located.
      • Tap and hold the message until the options menu appears at the top of the screen.
      • Select "Delete."
      • Choose "Delete for Me" to remove the message from their device only, or "Delete for Everyone" if the option is still available (though it likely won't be after seven minutes).
  3. Use WhatsApp Web:

    If you prefer using a computer, you can also delete messages via WhatsApp Web:

    • Open WhatsApp on your phone and go to "WhatsApp Web" in the menu.
    • Scan the QR code with your phone to log in to WhatsApp Web on your computer.
    • Navigate to the chat, tap and hold the message, then select "Delete."
    • Choose "Delete for Everyone" if available.
  4. Contact Support:

    If you encounter any issues or the message is particularly sensitive, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support. They may provide additional guidance or assistance specific to your situation.

It's important to note that while these steps can help mitigate the issue, there's no guaranteed way to delete a message from someone else’s phone once it has been read or if more than seven minutes have passed since sending. Always be cautious with what you send to ensure you don't need to delete messages later.